Tooreen and Ballinderreen prepare for Athleague showdown

THE winding roads to Athleague are almost second home to Tooreen and their followers at this stage. Fr Flanagan Park will once again play host to the Mayo lads as they take on Galway champions, Ballinderreen, in the Connacht Intermediate final at 1.30pm tomorrow, Sunday, November 26.

Tooreen made their historic breakthrough when defeating Ballinderreen in the Connacht Final of 2017 in Athleague and both teams find themselves back at the south Roscommon venue for the 2023 decider. It was a momentous day for Tooreen when they became the first Mayo club to hold aloft the provincial cup. They have done it three times since with wins over Kinvara, Moycullen and Killimor.

Dual player, Seán Regan, who lined out with Ballina in the football semi final against Corofin in Salthill on Saturday, is back with Tooreen for Sunday’s game. They also hope to have Fergal Boland on duty following an injury sustained in the county final a few weeks ago.

With the exception of Cathal Freeman, Tooreen have practically all the panel involved in reaching the All Ireland Final against Monaleen of Limerick available for this weekend. While the county final against Ballyhaunis was a subdued affair, Tooreen will be hoping for another “Athleague bounce” and a return to the form that has made them such a formidable force in recent years.

David Kenny and Conal Hession were among their top performers in Ballyhaunis with Michael Morley and Stephen Coyne also to the fore. Gary Nolan, who came on as a sub, is still a vital part of this team and is fearless when it comes to getting stuck in to the action. Seán Kenny, Liam Lavin, Shane Boland and Kenny Feeney were also impressive on the day.

A fully fit Fergal Boland would be an immense addition on Sunday while players like Eoin Delaney, Joe Boyle (a native of Burt, Donegal), Bobby Douglas, Daniel Huane, Oisín Greally, John Cassidy, Brian Morley, Conor Henry and David Harrison all have plenty to contribute to what promises to be another passionate showdown in Athleague.

Ballinderreen defeated Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry by 3-18 to 2-18 in high scoring and impressive Galway Intermediate final. The team has a nice blend of youth and experience featuring the Lane and Meehan brothers, Michael Kelly (goalie), Matthew O’Connor, Evan Morgan and David O’Connor to name but a few.

Galway native, Ray Larkin, who now resides in Kiltimagh, is in his third year as manager with Tooreen and he also has former Galway hurler and Loughrea native, Nigel Shaughnessy, as team trainer, as well as local selectors, Dom Greally, Brian Delaney and Stephen Lenehan.

“We feel we are in a good place ahead of the game in Athleague. Training has been going well and the enthusiasm is as strong as ever. We have had a good build-up and we are fully aware of the big task ahead of us. Ballinderreen performed very well in the Galway final and they have a strong panel of players. We are hoping our lads will hit top form on the day,” says Ray Larkin.  

The winners of this game will play the Munster champions, either Corofin (Clare) or Castlelyons (Cork), in the All Ireland semi-final in mid-December.